Best light bulb that mimics natural light?

Question

I see that GE makes those reveal bulbs (I've also seen generic brands popping up as well).

Are these the best bulbs to make my white wallpaper look white (it has a yellow tinge with a regular bulb)?

Answer 1

I get similar questions to this in the fish section for aquarium lighting. Rather than looking for any specific brand, look for information about wavelength and color temperature on the packaging. For wavelength, try to find a bulb labeled "full spectrum" - these will balance the individual wavelengths (colors) the light produces to approximate natural sunlight.

If you're using anything other than a standard household fixture, pay attention to color temperature. The color temperature refers to the fact that as an object burns hotter, the "whiter" the light will be - to a point. The color temperature of sunlight is about 5,500K (yellow). As the number increases, it shifts toward blue; as the number decreases, it shift toward red. That's why photographs (or your wallpaper) indoors under incandescent light looks yellow/orange - the filaments in the incandescent lights you use don't burn as hot as the sun. Something in the neighborhood of 6,500K to 14,000K will be a much brighter "white" light. As you increase through 20,000K, the light takes on a blue tint.

(Reveal brand will make your wallpaper look less yellow - different home stores have different brand names by manufacturer)

Answer 2

best light to do this is high pressure sodium bulbs unfortunately only available for commercial and industrial use try using a clear bulb rater than a frosted or the new compact fluorescent.